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12 views to fill your windowless kitchen sink

There is an unspoken rule in kitchen design that the kitchen sink should be centred under a window with a view. This is a great rule for the natural light it provides, but what if your kitchen doesn’t have a window? Well, here’s a chance to be a rebel and make your own rules. Windowless kitchens present an opportunity to create an interesting above-sink focal point — one that can even be functional

1. Plate rack.

Plate racks, such as the retro one pictured here, come in many shapes and sizes. In addition to adding a playful focal point above the sink, the rack also provides easy access to everyday dishes.

Johnny Grey Studios, original photo on Houzz

2. Chalkboard or whiteboard

Consider combining the practicality of display shelves with a chalkboard backdrop. The sink is a center of activity in the kitchen, so having a chalk message board for family members to communicate with one another is a genius way to take advantage of the constant traffic. Formica Magnetic Writeable laminate can be used to achieve.

3. Pop of colour.

Adding a splashback with a pop of colour behind the sink is a great way to brighten up a windowless kitchen — especially when the refrigerator echoes the colour, as shown in this photo. The Seratone Escape range is a great way to bring colour to your kitchen splashback.

Kingston Design Remodeling, original photo on Houzz

4. Floating shelves.

Floating shelves add a modern sensibility to a kitchen, as well as extra storage for glasses, plates and bowls — though you might choose to store infrequently needed items, rather than everyday favorites, on that top shelf.

5. Single shelf.

Sometimes less is more. A single long shelf provides a great focal point, especially when made from an interesting material like reclaimed wood or even marble. If the shelf is installed about 45 centimetres above the counter, its contents will be accessible for most adults without the need of a step stool.

Peter Zimmerman Architects, original photo on Houzz

6. Glass cabinet.

Glass cabinets are great for displaying glasses and dishes while keeping them dust- and grime-free — a terrific idea for those wary of open shelving due to these issues.

7. Mirror.

A great way to bring light and a focal point to a windowless kitchen is to add a mirror over the sink. A mirror creates the illusion of spaciousness by adding depth. And it reflects light emanating from the lighting fixtures, making the room brighter.

8. Television.

How do you get your significant other or the kids to do the dishes? You install a TV over the sink. Warning: Dishwashing time may go up, depending on programming!

Showplace Wood Products, original photo on Houzz

9. Bookshelf.

Where better to display your cookbooks than above the kitchen sink? While you are cleaning up, you can peruse the titles and dream about your next meal.

10. Towel bar.

Install a towel bar below a shelf to display decorative dish towels. And if you’re the practical type, go ahead and use the rack to dry wet towels.

11. Shelves with sliding doors.

This is a very cool combination of floating shelves and frosted sliding panels. The panels add interest and depth to the shelves.

FRICANO CONSTRUCTION CO, original photo on Houzz

12. Simplify.

There are so many ways to bring focus to a windowless sink. One of the simplest is to tile the wall behind the sink to the ceiling and just leave it blank. No cabinet, no shelf, no anything… well, maybe a simple wreath, as in this photo, or a piece of art.

Tolaris Homes, original photo on Houzz

Whatever you decide, the beauty of this blank-slate solution is that you can change the look whenever the mood strikes. That’s really what good design is all about: It’s always evolving.